The Malden High School Girls Cross Country team entered the 2011 season with a hefty weight on its shoulders: they hadn’t ever won a Greater Boston League cross country title and had just watched the 2010 boys’ team win its first in 40 years.
“The pressure isn’t in winning the first title, there’s no pressure if it’s never been done,” said Malden coach David Londino. “The pressure comes with knowing you have the talent to do so. The pressure comes with knowing you could possibly blow this if you’re not 100 percent dedicated a 100 percent of the time.”
The girls cross country team recently finished their dual meet season undefeated and followed it up with a victory at the Greater Boston League Championship meet, outscoring second place Cambridge 31-48.
As she did throughout the dual meet season, junior Haley Dowdie (19:40) led the way for Malden, finishing second overall in the 2.9 mile. Following Dowdie with strong fourth and fifth place finishes were junior Lauren Benoit (20:33) and senior Haley DeFilippis (20:46). After a pair of experienced Somerville runners claimed the sixth and seventh places, newcomer Jackie Bouley (21:31) finished in eighth. Senior Marielle Colt (22:02) rounded out the top five with her 12th place finish. Junior Iris Feng (18th) and sophomore Cristina DiScipio (20th) also figured in the scoring.
“These girls worked hard to become GBL champs because they wanted to be the first, but also because they understood what another banner for female sports could mean to future athletes at Malden High School,” said Londino. “They’re a very special group of young ladies and their accomplishments this season are special as well. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Haley DeFilippis, Haley Dowdie, Lauren Benoit, and Jackie Bouley received GBL all-star selections for their performances.